Multiplication is a fundamental mathematical operation that students must learn in the early stages of their academic journey. It is a crucial skill that students will need to rely on throughout their schooling and their future careers. One of the most challenging aspects of multiplication is for students to understand how to multiply one-digit numbers by teen numbers. However, with the use of grids, teachers can help their students visualise and master this concept while making it fun and engaging.
Grids are a powerful teaching tool that has been used by educators for many years to teach multiplication, and with good reason. They allow students to see a graphical representation of the problem, making it much easier for them to understand. The grids help in breaking down the problem into manageable chunks, making it much easier for students to calculate the answer.
Here are some activities that teachers can use to teach students how to multiply one-digit numbers by teen numbers using grids:
1. Build Multiplication Towers:
This activity requires students to create multiplication towers using grids. To create a multiplication tower, the student must first choose a one-digit number and then create a grid of that size. They must then choose a teen number and write it at the top of the grid. The student must then fill in each square in the grid with the product of the one-digit number and the corresponding number in the teen number. Once the grid is full, the student must add up all the numbers in the tower to get the answer. This activity helps students to visualise the process of multiplication and understand how teen numbers work.
2. Build Multiplication Pyramids:
This activity involves creating a multiplication pyramid using grids. To create a multiplication pyramid, the student must start by choosing a one-digit number and then creating a grid of that size. They must then choose a teen number and write it at the top of the grid. The student must then fill in each square in the grid with the product of the one-digit number and the corresponding number in the teen number. Once the grid is full, the student must add up the numbers in the bottom row to get the answer. This activity helps students to visualise how pyramid structures work and understand how teen numbers can be multiplied by single-digit numbers.
3. Multiplication Charades:
This activity is a fun variation of traditional charades that involves using grids to teach multiplication. To play this game, students divide into teams. Each team is given a set of multiplication cards that include a one-digit number and a teen number. The objective is for the team to act out the numbers and the multiplication operation using the grid. For example, if the card reads “4 x 16,” the team can use the grid to show how to multiply 4 by 16. This activity encourages teamwork and reinforces the concept of multiplication.
In conclusion, teaching multiplication can be challenging, but using grids can make the process much easier for students. By breaking the problem down into manageable chunks, grids allow students to visualise the process of multiplication, understand how teen numbers work, and improve their problem-solving skills. The activities mentioned above are great ways to teach students to multiply one-digit numbers by teen numbers using grids while making it fun and engaging.
